Jackson awakened by Lakers, told he didn’t get job

“I was awakened at midnight Sunday by a phone call from Mitch Kupchak. He told me that the Lakers had signed Mike D’Antoni to a three-year agreement and that they felt he was the best coach for the team. The decision is of course theirs to make. I am gratified by the groundswell of support from the Laker fans who encouraged my return and it is the principal reason why I considered the possibility.”

Todd Musburger, Jackson’s agent, told the Times that some of the reported contract demands Jackson made are inaccurate.